BRADFORD City Women fought back impressively, but their second-half display was not quite enough in Sunday's West Yorkshire derby, as they suffered a 2-1 home defeat to Leeds United.

The FA Women's National League Division One North clash at Horsfall was dominated by Leeds before the break, and City found themselves 2-0 down at half-time after a Laura Bartup double.

An Emma O'Hanlon penalty with 15 minutes to go gave the Bantams hope, and despite having a couple of chances to equalise from set-pieces, they couldn't find that crucial second goal.

City went into the game in the relegation zone, having won one and lost four of their opening five games under new player-manager Charlotte Stuart.

Leeds, meanwhile, were in search of a fourth win from six, in the hope of closing the gap to leaders Barnsley.

After a relatively even start, Leeds had the first big chance as Skye Kirkham in the City goal pushed Kathryn Smith's long-range strike on to the crossbar.

But the Bantams hit back, and skipper Katy Woodcock was denied by a stunning fingertip save from Leeds stopper Carrie Simpson.

Kirkham saved well from Rebekah Bass shortly afterwards, before Arianne Parnham blazed over from the edge of the box for the hosts.

But Leeds soon turned the screw, and were all over City in the 20 minutes before the break.

They went in front when the prolific twisted and turned in the box before rifling an effort beyond Kirkham and into the roof of the net.

Abbie Brown missed a sitter following a Macey Ellis cross, but that miss did not prove too costly for Leeds, as Bartup doubled their advantage a minute before half-time.

She found space 25 yards out, and unleashed a fearsome left-footed drive that flew past Kirkham and into the top corner.

With their backs against the wall though, City came out fighting, and only a brilliant save from close-range by Simpson prevented Isla Hudson from halving the deficit just after the break.

Teenager Mia Jacobs was the one who paved the way for City to get back into the game, as she embarked on a brilliant solo run before being fouled in the box.

O'Hanlon stepped up and slotted the ball beyond Simpson to give the Bantams a real chance of claiming a precious point.

And it was the hosts who dominated late on, but they just could not find a way past man-of-the-match contender Simpson.

A couple more impressive saves kept City at bay, and she was brave under pressure too, making some fine claims from set-pieces and crosses to ensure Leeds held on to their advantage.

Leeds are third after that victory, just a point behind leaders Barnsley, who suffered a first league defeat of the season on Sunday, 1-0 at home to Stockport County.

The Bantams remain in the relegation zone, two points from safety ahead of their trip to mid-table Hull City this weekend.

In the division above, Brighouse Town Women drew 1-1 at West Brom to remain in mid-table.